11 Comments
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Iris Waichler's avatar

Thanks for this article. As someone who missed out on title 9 I am so happy to see this progress. As an Iowa Hawkeye i am thrilled to cheers on Caitlin and our women's Hawkeye team. BTW I heard this morning that Caitlin got a 5 million dollar offer to play if she wants it. She is weighing all her options. Go Hawks and congratulations to all our talented women athletes.

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Karen Focht's avatar

“We learned together that sometimes life isn’t fair, but sometimes your teammates can lift you to something you could never have accomplished alone” memorable quote. 😊

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Leanne Kleinmann's avatar

Thanks, Karen.

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Tina Sullivan's avatar

I learned so much in my six years of basketball - mainly to unapologetically take up space. If women’s sports are selling tickets and capturing viewers, then their salaries need to reflect that. It will likely require continued advocacy for that to become a reality. (AMAZING pic of you, BTW! )

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Leanne Kleinmann's avatar

Hadn't thought of the taking-up-space learning quite like that, but it's certainly (yet another) great advantage of having played team sports. And YES, we need to keep demanding equity. I'm on it! xoxo

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Fran Caradonna's avatar

I learned to love the female version of basketball in high school (we called it "girls" back then) as my friend Sandra taught me the rules and the strategies. I think I have finally convinced my grown sons and even their dad, that girls ball is more fun to watch because, without the same speed and brawn as their male counterparts, they HAVE to play more strategically - and it's easier to see it coming together. I'll proudly cheer on my alma mater and, win or lose, expect some tears. Go Lady Gamecocks!

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Leanne Kleinmann's avatar

Forgot you were a South Carolina alum! Dawn Staley is such a class act; I'll think of you later today when I watch them.

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Mary Jo Greil's avatar

Thank you for reminding me of watching my first real women's basketball game when I was living in IA. I am inspired by those who dare to realize their potential ... no matter the odds. And as I am writing this comment, I am realizing that I too dare to realize my potential ... its is just not through sports nor cooking.

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Leanne Kleinmann's avatar

You do! And are an inspiration for those of us who watch and follow. Thanks.

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Ann Stewart's avatar

This hits me in all the feels girl! I'm getting emotional at just about every game I watch. The athleticism and competitiveness is just so great. I played volleyball and and was a shot putter (pretty weird then) in high school and then played volleyball at Nebraska. I look back now and realize we were really the start of something important - giving girls that same opportunity to compete (and be respected). Remember when UCONN women's basketball used to beat just about everyone they played by 30 or 40 points? Not anymore! Can't wait for the rest of the NCAA tournament this year. You go girls!!

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Leanne Kleinmann's avatar

You really were the start of something important -- witness 92,000 people who watched YOUR team play in a footbal stadium in Nebraska last year! So grateful to you pioneers.

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